Sure! Here are the radioactive decay types matched with their corresponding equations:
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Alpha Decay: This process involves the nucleus emitting an alpha particle (\( ^4_2He \)), which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The general equation can be represented as: \[ _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4} Y + _2^4 He \] Example: \[ _{92}^{238} U \rightarrow _{90}^{234} Th + _2^{4} He \]
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Beta Minus Decay: In this decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted, along with an antineutrino. The equation is: \[ _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A} Y + e^- + \bar{\nu} \] Example: \[ _{6}^{14} C \rightarrow _{7}^{14} N + e^- + \bar{\nu} \]
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Beta Plus Decay: Here, a proton is converted into a neutron, and a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) is emitted, along with a neutrino. The equation is: \[ _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z-1}^{A} Y + e^+ + \nu \] Example: \[ _{11}^{22} Na \rightarrow _{10}^{22} Ne + e^+ + \nu \]
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Gamma Decay: This decay involves the emission of gamma radiation (\(\gamma\)), which is high-energy electromagnetic radiation, from an excited state of a nucleus. The general equation is: \[ _Z^A X^* \rightarrow _Z^A X + \gamma \] Example: \[ _{55}^{133} Cs^* \rightarrow _{55}^{133} Cs + \gamma \]
If you have specific equations for each of these decay types that you need matched, feel free to share them!
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